First aid for bites and stings
Wednesday, 12 January 2005-from Manning River Times
Snakes, spiders, biting insects and stinging marine creatures are a natural
part of the Australian environment.
Each year, many children are bitten or stung ranging from bees and wasps to
funnel web spiders and snakes. Toddlers are at risk because they don't
realise the danger. Some older children, especially boys are bitten whilst
trying to catch snakes.
It is important that parents this summer are able to protect their children
and, if they are bitten, provide first aid treatment.
Red back and funnel web spiders are the only known poisonous spiders in
Australia likely to cause death in a child, though some people also have a
bad local reaction to other spider bites.
If a red back bites your child, wash the area and keep it clean. If there
are symptoms such as weakness, persistent pain, inconsolability, persistent
crying, lots of sweating, nausea, vomiting and pale colour, seek medical
attention.
A funnel web spider bite can be very dangerous. There is usually pain at the
bite site, lots of sweating, nausea and vomiting, difficulty in breathing
and muscle twitching. Apply a firm bandage around the bite and then bandage
the whole limb to slow the flow of venom around the body.
Use a splint to hold the limb still and take the child straight to the
nearest hospital.
If a snake bites your child, immediately apply a broad, firm bandage around
the bite site and then the whole limb to cover the bite. Use a crepe bandage
or any other flexible material (e.g. clothing or old towels torn into
strips). Keep the limb as still as possible by using a splint made from any
firm material. If possible, bring transport to the victim. Do not wash the
bitten area as the venom on the skin may be used to identify the snake.
